Funky punky pins! (punkypins.com)

Member Name: Luvlylana

Product:	punkypins.com
Date:	14/01/09 (84 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Unique, stylish

Disadvantages: Some items are quite expensive

Like HeidiSeeker.com, PunkyPins.com is an online retailer of quirky, statement jewellery. Everything is handmade, making it that bit more special.

Punky... What?
-------------------
I first heard of PunkyPins.com when looking through the links page on HeidiSeeker.com. Initially I disregarded it as I though it said Punkyfish, which I was previously aware of anyway so didn't want to look at at that point, but when I realised it was different, I clicked on the link. I was pleasantly surprised with what I found!
The Website Itself
-------------------------
The PunkyPins logo is black and white so isn't that visually striking, but the website itself always features bright colours to get your attention. It has a navigation bar across the top, featuring: home, jewellery, accessories, badges, stockists, press and a contact us page. There is also a side navigation bar on the right hand side.In the jewellery sections, you will find:

* Earrings - hearts, stars, retro games, uv-reactive, fruits
* Necklaces - personalised names, retro games, stars, hearts, catchphrashes, characters, flowers
* Pins/Brooches - starts, internet slang, charms
* Hair Clips - retro games, stars, flowers
* Bracelets - uv-reactive, retro games, flowers, fruits


The accessories section is separated into the following categories:

* Belt buckles - mixtapes, comic book-inspired
* Bags and purses - Make up bags, notepad sets
* Stickers
* Letter sets and notepads


There are also pieces of flair (i.e. pin badges), DIY supplies for making your own stuff, value packs, mystery bags and t-shirts.Search Function
----------------------
The website has a search box, therefore you can type whatever you are looking for in there, and the search engine will bring back results.

You can also do an advanced search where you enter a word or phrase, select the category you wish to look in, and put a price range in as well. I think this would probably turn out less results than using the straightforward search box though.
Payment
------------
When you go to the checkout, it asks whether you are an existing or new customer. If you are a new customer you must give your name, email address and create a password.

As an existing customer, I now only enter my email and password. I then move on to a screen where I confirm my address and contact details. The last screen displays the total with your choice of item in picture form, and your confirmed address. You can then pay by paypal, cheque/postal order or a credit/debit card.
The shipping price varies with the amount of items purchased, but as an example, a £15 bracelet carries a £2 shipping charge.

Orders
---------
I have ordered a number of items from the Punky Pins website. I bought the LOL pin badge and two sets of stickers, and my boyfriend recently bought me a pair of UV reactive Space Invader earrings. Both times the order arrived within 5-7 days, well packaged and with the dispatch note. The customer service is also fantastic - they answer any queries as soon as possible.
Punky Pins ask you to be patient with them though, as they will send items out 5 days after receiving confirmation of payment acceptance.

Returns
----------
Personalised items are non-refundable from Punky Pins. Non-personalised items are refundable as long as they arrive at the stated address within 7 days. You will then received the refund within five days of their receiving it.
Freebies
-----------
At the moment there are no free items being sent with your orders.

My Experience of Punky Pins
---------------------------------------
I ordered the LOL Pin badge which can be found here: http://www.punkypins.co.uk/p/495561/lol-brooch-pin .html
I also ordered two packs of stickers which have since sold out and have been removed from the site. The badge was £4.00, and the two sticker sets were £2 each, and though I can't remember how much I paid for postage, I know it wasn't bad at all. I received my items within five days, meaning I could show off my badge and stick the stickers to letters and the like as soon as they arrived

My boyfriend bought me the UV reactive Space Invader earrings which can be found here:
http://www.punkypins.co.uk/p/366130/uv-reactive-s pace-invader-earrin gs.html
These were £10, and the postage was £2. They were ordered this Friday, and came five days later (that includes the weekend!), which was fantastic.

I was ecstatic with my purchases, and I get compliments about them because they are so unique. I give Punky Pins 10/10 because they provide a fantastic service and great little items. They are highly recommended!

(As written for Ciao.co.uk)

Summary: Another fantastic website for unique accessories